Carnation plant named `CFPC Halo`

ABSTRACT

A new variety of carnation plant producing white picotee red flowers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of carnationplant which is the result of a cross of the variety `Koreno` as seedparent and `CFPC Twilight` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,514) as pollen parent.The varietal denomination of this new carnation is `CFPC Halo`.

Among the novel combination of characteristics possessed by the newvariety which distinguishes it are superior resistance to F. oxysporum,and F. graminearum and white picotee red flowers. Among the differencesof the new variety from its parents are flower coloration since `CFPCHalo` produces white picotee red flowers whereas `Koreno` flowers areyellow and `CFPC Twilight` produces purple flowers.

Asexual reproduction by propagation by side shoot cuttings of the newvariety as performed in Salinas, Calif., shows that the foregoing andother distinguishing characteristics come true to form and areestablished and transmitted through succeeding propagations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATION

The accompanying illustration shows typical specimens of the flowers andfoliage of the new variety depicted in color as nearly true as it isreasonably possible to make the same in a color illustration of thischaracter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following is a detailed description of my new variety, with colorterminology in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society ColourChart (R.H.S.C.C.). The terminology used in color description hereinrefers to plate numbers in the aforementioned color chart. Phenotypicexpression may vary depending upon varying environmental, seasonal andcultural conditions.

The information provided herein is based on observations of plants growninside commercial greenhouses at Salinas, Calif. The height of the plantand flower and foliage size are established as an average using standardcommercial cultural practices. Where terms such as average, normal,ordinary, etc., are used, the characteristics so described are notconsidered distinguishing.

Name: `CFPC Halo`

Classification:

Botanical.--Dianthus caryophyllus.

Commercial.--Carnation, spray type.

Parentage:

Female seed parent.--`Koreno`.

Male pollen parent.--`CFPC Twilight`.

1. Plant:

Height.--About 43 inches (first flowering).

Growing habit.--Herbaceous, semi-upright.

Blooming habit.--As a spray.

Blooming season.--Year round.

Rooting time.--About 20 days.

Mutation prone.--No.

Disease resistance.--Very good.

Temperature tolerance.--Wide range.

Breaking action.--Very good, approximately 8 to 9 lateral shoots perplant.

2. Foliage:

Color.--Upper side: Near 138A. Lower side: Near 138B.

Size.--About 7 inches long, about 1/4 inches wide.

Quantity.--Numerous.

Shape.--Lanceolate.

Texture.--Smooth.

Ribs.--Central, Keeled.

Arrangement.--Bi-lateral along stem.

Stem color.--Near 137A.

3. Bud:

Shape.--Ovoid.

Color.--Near 138B.

Length.--About 1 inch.

Diameter.--About 1/2 inch.

4. Calyx:

Number of sepals.--About 5.

Length.--About 5/8 inch.

Width.--About 3/8 inch.

Color.--Outside -- Near 138B. Inside -- Near 146D.

5. Bloom:

Shape.--Round.

Size.--Diameter average: About 21/4 inches. Depth average: About 13/4inches.

Borne.--As a spray, about 8 to 9 open flowers and buds per spray, stemlength approximately 43 inches.

Color.--General tonality: White picotee red. Upper side: Whiter than155D, red edges, near 45B. Lower side: Whiter than 155D, red edges, near45B. Center: Whiter than 155D, red edges, near 45B. Outer petals: Whitewith near 45B edges.

Keeping quality.--Very good, petals dry up after about 3 weeks on stembut remain attached.

Fragrance.--Slight.

6. Petals:

Number.--About 35.

Outer petals.--Length: About 11/4 inches. Width: About 1 inch.

Central petals.--Length: About 11/8 inches. Width: About 3/8 inch.

Texture.--Smooth.

Form.--Fan shaped.

Appearance.--Shiny, smooth petal edge.

7. Reproductive organs:

Stamens.--None (sterile).

Pistil.--Number: 1 to 2. Color: White. Length: About 1 inch.

Stigma.--Number: About 2. Color: White.

Ovary.--Shape: Conical.

Color: Base -- near 158D. Body -- near 146D. Apex -- near 161D.

Fertility.--Female: Good. Male: Sterile.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of carnation plant substantiallyas shown and described.